We have some good news though. We can help you! We’ve put together a quick guide to show you when to book your vendors.
10-18 Months Prior
- Select a Date and Venue
You are going to need to know the basics of where and when before you can jump into booking vendors. Most vendors will not allow you to book the date with them until you have the venue locked in and the date chosen.
- Hire a Wedding Planner
If you are planning to hire a wedding planner, this will be the best time to book them. They are going to be a huge asset with finding vendors, booking vendors and knowing when to do everything (they may even have preferred vendors that will offer you a discount).
- Hire your High Priority Vendors
If there are vendors that are must haves for your wedding day, now is the time to lock them in. If you can’t imagine your wedding without a specific DJ, Photographer, Florist, etc. BOOK THEM NOW. Don’t risk losing the date to another bride who booked that vendor first. The most common vendors to book a year in advance are DJ’s, Photographers, Florists and Makeup Artists.
9-10 Months Prior
- Find Your Dress!
You want to be sure that you allow yourself enough time to get your dream dress and make any necessary alterations. 9-10 months prior is a great time to start looking for the dress!
- Send out Save the Dates
This will allow your guests to save the date and plan to be there for your wedding day. Pro Tip: Create a private Facebook Event and invite your guests there as well!
- Complete Your Wedding Registry
6-9 Months Prior
- Choose Wedding Party Attire
Do NOT wait too long for this. Many times you will need to account for shipping and any potential sizing mistakes. Pro Tip: Make sure EVERYONE tries their clothes on when they arrive AND a few days before the wedding. You will catch any size changes, alterations needed or issues like a button missing.
- Order Your Wedding Cake
- Book Your Officiant
- Book your rehearsal dinner venue
3-6 Months Prior
- Send out Formal Wedding Invitations
- Order Wedding Favors and Wedding Party Gifts
If you are looking for some unique wedding favors/gifts, check out Etsy! There are so many unique gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.
3-4 Months Prior
- Apply for Your Marriage License
Each state is going to have different policies on when to apply, it’s best to know ahead of time so you know what to expect.
- Compile RSVP’s and arrange your seating charts
- Confirm ALL vendors
There are times where vendors will have a date wrong or double book a date. Confirming vendors at this point will save you from finding out last minute that there was an issue with booking. You can also find out at this point if there is anything each individual vendor needs from you!
2-3 Months Prior
- Start Dress Alterations
- Do your Hair and Makeup Trial
We strongly encourage a hair and makeup trial for our brides! If you are someone who doesn’t typically wear makeup, this will be especially important to be sure that the artist that you chose will give you what you are hoping for!
